Tim Smeenge and Rozanne Slik winners of the SKS mountainbike marathon in Sundern
In Sundern, Germany, Tim Smeenge rode to victory yesterday, beating the Germans Peter Hermann and Justin Wolf. Both Smeenge and Slik crossed the line solo after 100 kilometers through the Sauerland. While Slik had a good start, Smeenge crashed shortly after the start and had to give chase, battered. This did not stop him from regaining the lead and continuing to expand his lead.
‘I didn’t have to go all out on Saturday in Sundern to win. With a view to the race in Houffalize on Sunday, this was convenient. Unfortunately, a day later in the Roc d’Ardenne I soon had a mechanical problem and did not reach the finish. Fortunately, next Saturday I will have another chance during the marathon in Riva in Italy,” said Smeenge. Teammate Teus Ruijter seemed to be on his way to a good top ten ranking in Houffalize, but had a hard time in the final and finished twelfth, followed by Gerben Mos in 23rd place.